Snoring is often dismissed as a harmless or even humorous annoyance, but in many cases, it’s a sign of a much more serious health condition: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). According to Dr. Eric Kezirian, Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology at USC and one of the world’s top specialists in sleep surgery, untreated sleep apnea can have devastating effects on the brain, heart, and entire body.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the throat muscles collapse and block the airway, causing temporary pauses in breathing—sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times per night.
Each pause can last 10 seconds to over a minute, drastically reducing oxygen levels in the blood and forcing the brain to jolt the body awake to resume breathing. These awakenings are so brief that people often don’t remember them—but their sleep quality is destroyed.
Snoring: A Warning Sign
Snoring is the sound of partially obstructed airflow during sleep. While not all snorers have sleep apnea, loud, frequent snoring—especially accompanied by choking or gasping sounds—is a red flag.
Dr. Kezirian warns, “Snoring is not just a social issue. It can be a symptom of a serious medical condition that places stress on the body every single night.”
The Impact on the Brain and Mental Health
Sleep apnea is extremely damaging to brain health. Every time breathing stops, oxygen levels drop, putting stress on the brain. Over time, this repeated oxygen deprivation leads to:
- Memory loss and poor concentration
- Increased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Mood disorders, including depression and anxiety
- Daytime fatigue and poor emotional regulation
Studies show that sleep apnea alters brain structure, particularly in regions like the hippocampus (critical for memory) and prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and self-control).
Sleep disruption also limits REM and deep sleep, the most restorative phases necessary for brain repair, emotional processing, and cognitive function.
Damage to the Heart and Vital Organs
Beyond the brain, sleep apnea significantly affects the cardiovascular system. Dr. Kezirian emphasizes that untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sudden cardiac death during sleep
Why? Because the body is constantly cycling through oxygen deprivation, adrenaline spikes, and sleep fragmentation, which puts it in a state of chronic stress.
What Can Be Done?
The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable, and Dr. Kezirian has been at the forefront of both diagnosis and surgical solutions.
✅ Lifestyle Changes
- Lose excess weight, especially around the neck
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives at night
- Sleep on your side instead of your back
- Establish a regular sleep schedule
- Use nasal strips or breathe-right devices if applicable
✅ CPAP Therapy
The CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is the most common and effective treatment. It delivers steady air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. However, many people find it uncomfortable or struggle to stay compliant.
✅ Oral Appliances
Custom-made dental devices can reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open, especially effective for mild to moderate OSA.
✅ Surgical Options
For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, Dr. Kezirian offers advanced surgical solutions tailored to the individual’s anatomy. Procedures such as upper airway stimulation (Inspire therapy), soft palate remodeling, or jaw realignment can drastically improve airflow and reduce apnea episodes.
He stresses the importance of individualized evaluation, using advanced sleep studies and airway imaging to identify the most effective approach.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Signs
Snoring and sleep apnea are not just nighttime nuisances—they are serious threats to your brain, your heart, and your future. Dr. Eric Kezirian’s research and clinical practice make one thing clear: the earlier sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.
If you—or someone you love—snores regularly, feels tired during the day, or wakes up gasping at night, it’s time to take action. Prioritizing sleep isn’t just about rest—it’s about saving your life.
